Ford and other automakers' newest technologies will be rated this Thursday when J.D. Power and Associates releases its annual initial-quality study, which is based on consumer opinions

When it
comes to in-car communications and entertainment systems, it's no secret that MyFord
Touch is the problematic one of the bunch. Consumer
Reports has said that the system is too complex and distracting due to
its lack of tactile buttons and knobs as well as its voice recognition system.
In addition, the fact that its screens are partially controlled by two
steering-wheel-mounted five-way switches doesn't help its case either.

Now, auto reviewers aren’t the only ones hating on MyFord Touch, and MyFord
Touch isn't the only Ford technology being criticized.
Consumers are now throwing in their two cents, and it's not looking favorable
for some of Ford's newest technologies.

While not all consumers who have tested MyFord
Touch dislike it, many have complained that the system reboots randomly and
has trouble responding to voice commands. In addition, some of is features
confuse consumers, even though Ford dealerships offer courses on
how to use the system. The good news is that many revisions are in development
and will be "phased in" over the next year.

Others
have also mentioned problems concerning Ford's PowerShift dual-clutch automatic
transmission, which can be found on the 2011 Fiesta and the 2012 Focus. The
PowerShift combines two manual transmissions where one clutch controls first,
third and fifth gears while the second clutch controls second, fourth and sixth
gears. The idea behind the system is to enable more efficient shifting in order
to improve fuel economy.

Despite its best intentions, the system isn't perfect. Consumers have noted
that the system overall is "jerky" with unexpected shifts. Also, the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration noted that "huge metallic
noises" occurred when downshifting at low speeds, and "dangerous gear
changes" made the vehicle surge and eventually stall.

"The Focus is a little slow to find the right gear as you're slowing from
50 miles per hour," said David Champion, director of Consumer
Reports' auto test center in East Haddam, Connecticut.

But Ford spokesman Richard Truett assures that the PowerShift is just a "different type of
transmission" that uses actuators and solenoids to change gears
electronically, and that it just takes some getting used to.

"Consumers will hear different sounds and experience different
sensations," said Truett. "But that's normal. We chose the PowerShift
because it helps deliver outstanding performance and best-in-class 40 miles per
gallon fuel economy."

Ford and other automakers' newest technologies will be rated this Thursday when
J.D. Power and Associates releases its annual initial-quality study. The study
is based on consumer judgment after 90 days of ownership, and consumers are to
point out any problems they encounter.

"The Space Elevator will be built about 50 years after everyone stops laughing" -- Sir Arthur C. Clarke